The approaching election and the impending retirement of Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey following seventeen years of service, triggered a process for the Liberal Party to select a candidate to contest the next election which was held in Port Augusta last Sunday.
Grey covers in excess of 92% of the state and more than 400 Liberal Party members travelled from all corners to participate in a process which chose 30-year-old Bute farmer/business consultant Tom Venning from a field of five as the candidate for the upcoming election.
Mr Ramsey welcomed Mr Venning’s appointment and said he was looking forward to helping introducing him to the electorate. “I’ve been impressed with Tom who is very keen to meet people and learn, understanding the many challenges and opportunities of this enormous electrate,” he said.
“Retiring as the Member for Grey is made easier knowing the Liberal Party will have a quality candidate standing in my place at the election, due by May next year. While the outcome of the election lies entirely in the hands of the voters it is deeply heartening for me to pass the opportunity on to a young man of Tom’s calibre.
“Tom’s experience growing up and working seasonally on the family farm near Bute and his strong community connections has given him an astute understanding of the challenges rural and regional communities face.
“The added experience of completing an Economics and Mechanical Engineering Degree and working within the finance sector as a business strategy consultant, will be incredibly valuable.
“I know Tom will be ready, if elected, to roll up his sleeves and work hard to deliver for Grey.”
Tom said he was honoured to be preselected as the Liberal candidate for Grey for the upcoming Federal Election. “Having been born and raised in Bute, my unwavering commitment to the people of this great electorate runs deep, and I look forward to meeting more of you over the coming weeks and months,” he said.
“Representing Grey is one of the most demanding roles in Australian politics. It’s a region that is not only vast in geography, but rich in economic and social diversity.
“I commend Rowan and Teresa for their remarkable service. Without a doubt if successful, I have big shoes to fill.
“I grew up and have lived and worked within this region, so I understand the unique challenges, particularly in regional, rural, and remote Australia. We deserve more from our national Government.
“I am excited to bring fresh energy and a practical approach to addressing the issues that matter most to our electorate.
“This campaign will undoubtedly be challenging, but I am ready to put in the hard work required to win. Grey spans over 908,000 square kilometres and just as Rowan has done for the past 17 years, I will be spending a lot of time in a car driving around the electorate meeting the challenges facing Grey.”
Rowan Ramsey MP
Media Contact: Leonie Lloyd-Smith 08 8633 1744